Five years ago today, a devastating earthquake in Haiti destroyed 105,000 houses, damaged 85,000 more and left more than 1.5 million people homeless. It took about 30 seconds to reduce much of the country’s housing stock and infrastructure to piles of rubble. In the five years since the earthquake, a complex story of survival, perseverance, and renewal has unfolded, surely and steadily. |more

Homeownership rates vary drastically around the world. For example, Germany has what some may consider a low rate at 53%, while in Spain around 80% of people live in owner-occupied housing. Why the difference? Why are some people buying and some people renting? |more

Nearly six years after the crash of the United States’ housing market, there remains near-constant debate regarding the state of the nation’s housing environment. In June, the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University released its housing report, titled “The State of the Nation’s Housing 2014.” The report offers insight into current housing trends and challenges, such as declining homeownership rates, a large millennial generation that remains largely inactive in the housing market, rising demand for rental units, and a major affordability crisis. |more